Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 39, the Jian hexagram, Water over Mountain, Kan above Gen below

Detailed explanation of the first line of the 39th Zhouyi hexagram
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning. Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings honor.
The Image says: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings honor. It is fitting to wait.
Explanation in plain language
Six at the beginning: Leaving home is difficult; returning is comfortable.
The Image Commentary says: Leaving home is difficult and returning is comfortable; recognizing danger, retreat and sit tight while waiting for the right moment.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line should preserve the old ways and maintain normality. Officials should advance steadily; good fortune is approaching.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Retreat temporarily and wait for good fortune.
Finances: Do not take risks; it is better to preserve your capital.
Home: Moving is unfavorable; marriage should wait.
Health: An illness is just beginning; retreat and recuperate.

Initial Six changing hexagram


When the changing first line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 63: Water over Fire, Already Fulfilled. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Fire below and Water above. Kan is water and Li is fire; water and fire interact, with water above fire and its force overcoming the fire, so the great work of extinguishing the fire is complete. Ji means already; ji means accomplished. Already Fulfilled means the matter has succeeded, but change will ultimately occur.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

The first line of the Jian hexagram: Line statement—Six at the beginning: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings honor. Explanation of the line statement.
Wang means going forward. Lai means returning.
The meaning of this line statement is: Advancing will lead into danger; retreating will earn praise.
The lesson of the first line is: When strength and influence are weak, see danger and stop, then wait for the right opportunity.
Six at the beginning is at the start of Jian, a yielding line in a low position, weak and out of place. It is at the beginning of the lower Gen, the trigram of stopping; going forward must lead into the danger of the upper Kan, hence “going forward brings difficulty.” If it recognizes the time and retreats, stopping upon seeing danger, it can gain praise.
The Image explains this line: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings honor. It is fitting to wait.” This means that under such circumstances, it is best to wait calmly for an opportunity and not act rashly.
Those who receive this line: If you realize that moving forward is difficult, temporarily return and wait; this is a wise choice.
The Image means: Going forward encounters danger, while returning brings honor; this shows that one should wait for the right opportunity.
Six at the beginning is the lowest line of Jian and a yielding line in an odd position, so it is out of place and lacks the strength to cross the obstacles. It corresponds with Nine in the fourth place, which is the lower line of the upper Kan, the edge of danger. Thus, although Six at the beginning lacks the power to cross the obstacles, it has strong foresight: before reaching the brink of danger, it recognizes the danger and retreats. This retreat reduces its losses and naturally earns people’s praise. In real life, we often see timid people; timidity also has a virtue, namely sensing danger early and taking precautions, thereby avoiding loss.
Detailed explanation of the second line of the 39th Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the second place. The king’s minister encounters difficulty upon difficulty; it is not for his own sake.
The Image says: The king’s minister encounters difficulty upon difficulty; ultimately there is no blame.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the second place: The king’s minister repeatedly enters danger not for personal gain.
The Image Commentary says: The king’s minister repeatedly enters difficulty out of public duty, so he himself remains without fault.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Unfavorable: Those who receive this line encounter hardships and dangers, and plans meet obstruction. Officials should maintain loyalty and serve the nation.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Constant toil; avoid danger and hardship.
Finances: Obstructed midway; both money and goods are lost.
Home: The direction is unfavorable; the husband may face danger.
Health: Calamity from overwork.

Six in the second place changing hexagram


When the changing second line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 48: Water over Wood, the Well. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Wood below and Water above. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees flourish when supplied with water. People depend on wells for life, and wells are dug by people. They nourish one another: the well nourishes people with water, enduring without exhaustion. People should take this virtue as an example and encourage themselves to work diligently.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

The second line of the Jian hexagram: Line statement—Six in the second place: The king’s minister encounters difficulty upon difficulty; it is not for his own sake. Explanation of the line statement.
King: referring to the Nine in the Fifth Place. Minister: referring to the Six in the Second Place. Jian-jian: while trying to overcome difficulty, one encounters further difficulty; it means wanting to help others cross an obstacle, only to encounter an obstacle oneself. Fei: interchangeable with “not.” Gong: oneself.
The meaning of this line statement is: The minister struggles through danger to rescue the king from difficulty; he is not acting for himself.
From the hexagram image, the Six in the Second Place is a yielding line in a yielding place. It occupies the center and maintains correctness, possessing the qualities of loyalty, gentleness, and compliance. However, its capabilities are plainly weak and its talent insufficient. It corresponds correctly with the King, the Nine in the Fifth Place, of this hexagram, and may be said to be utterly devoted to him. The Nine in the Fifth Place is trapped in difficulty, so the Six in the Second Place exerts itself to offer help. It does not possess the conditions needed to overcome the difficulty, and by extending this help it becomes caught in danger and obstruction itself. Yet it knows deeply that this is not for its own sake, but to save and restore the royal house. Therefore, even if it must pass through boiling water and blazing fire, it will not shrink from the task.
The Image explains this line: “The king’s minister encounters difficulty upon difficulty; ultimately there is no blame.” This means that a minister who struggles through danger to rescue the ruler from difficulty will ultimately not be blamed.
Although Six in the second place lacks the ability to rescue the king, this quality is still admirable. Rather than withdrawing into private safety and preserving himself, he is willing to brave fire and water for the state, rushing to relieve its difficulties. Even if he fails, people will not blame him—and naturally he will not blame himself.
Those who receive this line: When unable to advance, perform the work at hand diligently without complaint. If you find that a leader or superior is in trouble, do your utmost to help. Do not shrink back out of fear that your ability is insufficient; taking action will not bring blame.
Six in the second place is centered and correct, so it possesses the virtue of balance and uprightness. It corresponds with Nine in the fifth place, which is also centered—“as a minister”; both Six in the second place and Nine in the fifth place possess balanced and upright virtue, so they make no mistake, yet difficulties are everywhere. Where do these dangers come from? In the hexagram image, Nine in the fifth place is in the center of the upper Kan; Kan means danger and difficulty, so it signifies being trapped in danger. Six in the second place is the lower line of the lower nuclear Kan, so it too signifies being in danger. But these disasters are not caused by their own errors, so ultimately there is no fault.
Detailed explanation of the third line of the 39th Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
Nine in the third place. Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings reversal.
The Image says: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings reversal. Those within rejoice.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the third place: Leaving home brings repeated difficulties; returning brings a smiling face.
The Image Commentary says: Leaving home brings repeated difficulties; returning brings a smiling face. This joy comes from the heart.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line should not seek advancement; there may be joy involving a wife and children. Officials of high rank may be promoted.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Advancement is difficult; retreat and hold for now.
Finances: Goods do not sell well; redirect them to inland markets.
Home: The joy of reunion; a destined meeting again.
Health: Take extra care of yourself.

Transformation of the Third Nine line


When the changing third line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 8: Water over Earth, Holding Together. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Earth below and Water above. Kun is earth and Kan is water. Water adheres to the earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas; they depend on one another and are intimately connected. This hexagram is the complete opposite of the Army hexagram and is its inverted counterpart. It explains mutual affection and support, broad-minded selflessness, and wholehearted unity.

The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place

The third line of the Jian hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the third place: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings reversal. Explanation of the line statement.
Fan: interchangeable with “fan,” meaning “to return.”
The meaning of this line statement is: Going forward brings disaster, so one returns.
The message of Nine in the third place is: The situation still offers no turning point; advancing enters danger, while returning provides a place of safety.
From the hexagram image, Nine in the third place is a yang line in a firm position, at a point where it may advance or retreat. It has a proper correspondence with Six at the top, giving it the desire to advance upward. Yet ahead lies the upper Kan, and Kan is danger, so it returns.
The Image explains this line: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings reversal. Those within rejoice.” This means that the forces within will certainly come and attach themselves to it.
Nine in the third place is at the top of the lower trigram, with two yielding lines below it; it is their main support. In difficulty, yielding lines cannot stand independently and must rely on Nine in the third place. Nine in the third place initially wants to advance, but encounters difficulty and returns, so the two yielding lines are naturally delighted and gladly rely on it.
Those who receive this line: If you discover that your career is blocked and further development is very difficult, it is better to return home and enjoy reunion with your family.
The Image means: Going forward encounters danger and returning; this says that the two yielding lines of the inner trigram are both pleased when Nine in the third place returns.
Nine in the third place is in the center of the lower nuclear Kan, signifying being trapped in danger. What should it do? It wants to escape danger but encounters an even greater one, because directly ahead is the upper Kan of Jian, so it has no choice but to retreat. Since Nine in the second place is the upper line of the lower Gen, it stops before the greater danger. This is like a man whose household is gradually becoming impoverished: he must leave home to bring wealth to the family, but encounters great obstacles and has to return home to continue living in poverty. Yet his return makes his two wives very happy, because although they are poor, the family can at least be reunited.
Detailed explanation of the fourth line of the 39th Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place. Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings association.
The Image says: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings association, because it is truly in the proper position.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: Leaving home, every step is difficult; returning, one has a cart to ride.
The Image Commentary says: Leaving home, every step is difficult; returning, one has a cart to ride, because the yielding line Six in the fourth place occupies a yielding position, like a person whose talent is properly placed and whose virtue matches his name.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Unfavorable: Those who receive this line may face disputes and lawsuits. Officials have opportunities for promotion; in seeking fame or profit, their gains are substantial rather than empty.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Work together with one heart and you can get through the obstacle.
Finances: Customers all come; naturally this is profitable.
Home: Live next door to one another; relatives become even closer.
Health: A chronic illness persists and will not heal quickly.

Six in the fourth place changing hexagram


When the changing fourth line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 31: Lake over Mountain, Influence. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Mountain below and Lake above. Gen is mountain; Lake is water. The yielding Lake is above and the firm Mountain below; water seeps downward, softness above and firmness below, mutually responding. Through influence, completion is achieved.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The fourth line of the Jian hexagram: Line statement—Six in the fourth place: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings association. Explanation of the line statement.
Lian means joining forces.
The meaning of this line statement is: If one goes forward, obstacles are certain; only by joining with other forces can the danger possibly be relieved.
The lesson of Nine in the third place is: In times of difficulty, establish a united front.
From the hexagram image, Six in the fourth place is a yielding line in a yielding position and lacks the strength to cross the obstacles alone. To get through, it must find a way to unite other forces. It is close to Nine in the fifth place and harmonizes yin and yang with Nine in the third place, so it can receive aid and escape danger.
The Image analyzes it this way: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings association.” Its position truly determines that it should act so. “Only by joining other forces can the danger be relieved” means that the position of this line dictates this course of action.
The lesson of this line resembles the approach taken by Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. After Liu Bei died, Shu lost soldiers and generals while facing Wei’s army at its borders, standing at a critical moment of national survival. During this national crisis, Zhuge Liang’s first consideration was to establish a united front and restore the alliance with Eastern Wu. The united front resisted Wei’s invasion of Shu, leaving Zhuge Liang free of worries behind him. He could then launch southern campaigns, capture Meng Huo seven times, conduct northern expeditions, make six campaigns against Qishan, and achieve a series of victories.
Those who receive this line: If progress is blocked, contact friends and strengthen the relationship, or make friends sincerely and seek their help. This can help you escape danger and make the foundation of your future career more stable.
Detailed explanation of the fifth line of the 39th Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Fifth Nine line
Nine in the fifth place. Great difficulty; friends come.
The Image says: In great difficulty, friends come, because one follows the balanced standard.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fifth place: After enduring great hardship and suffering, one ultimately gains great benefit.
The Image Commentary says: When great difficulty is at hand, friends come to help because Nine in the fifth place occupies the center of the upper trigram, like a person whose integrity and constancy naturally bring rescue.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will be promoted by influential benefactors and find no path unfavorable.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Turn danger into safety and seek a new direction for development.
Finances: There are too many goods, making them difficult to sell.
Home: It is not suitable to remain at home.
Health: Only a consultation among multiple doctors can bring a cure.

Transformation of the Fifth Nine line


When the changing fifth line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 15: Earth over Mountain, Modesty. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Mountain below and Earth above. Gen is mountain and Kun is earth. A mountain rises from the earth: the earth is low and the mountain high, outer humility with inner height. It describes great merit without claiming it, high reputation without self-praise, and high position without arrogance. This is Modesty.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The fifth line of the Jian hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the fifth place: Great difficulty; friends come. Explanation of the line statement.
Peng: friends and companions; those who share the same aspirations.
The meaning of this line statement is: Although the situation is extremely difficult, people who share one’s aspirations come to help cross the danger.
Nine in the fifth place is a yang line in a firm position and occupies the center of the upper Kan, the place of danger in Jian, hence “great difficulty.” At this time, a minister such as Six in the second place loyally struggles to relieve the difficulty.
The Image says: “Great difficulty brings friends,” because one maintains the proper balance. This indicates that although the situation is extremely difficult, like-minded people come to help overcome the crisis. It shows that one can uphold the right path and act according to proper standards, so many people come to assist.
From the hexagram image, the Fifth Yang line is in the central and proper position, possessing the virtue of firmness, centrality, and correctness. Thus it has the ambitious resolve to rescue the people from their suspended misery and to face danger and overcome difficulty. Even when trapped in peril, it does not change its commitment to overcoming hardship, and therefore receives help from many people.
Those who obtain this line through divination will find their career in great difficulty. Even so, at such a time, they must hold firmly to the right path and must not resort to illegal or unreasonable methods; then friends will come to offer help. When you are trapped and unable either to advance or retreat, if you persevere just a little longer, friends will come to help you escape the danger.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Thirty-Ninth Hexagram
Upper Six line statement
Top Six. Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance. Auspicious. It is favorable to see a great person.
The Image says: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance”—the aspiration lies within. “It is favorable to see a great person”—one follows the honored.
Explanation in plain language
Top Six: Going out is beset with difficulties; returning, one comes back leaping with joy. Divination of this line is auspicious and favorable for meeting nobles and princes.
The Image says: Leaving the gate brings difficulty upon difficulty; returning, one leaps about joyfully. This shows high-spirited determination and courageous efforts to achieve victory. The line statement says: It is beneficial to meet nobles and princes. This shows that by following eminent people, one will surely gain blessings and benefits.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will see good fortune arrive and their plans succeed. Officials will hold important posts, while scholars will advance and gain recognition.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: A major turn of luck is approaching; both fame and profit will be substantial.
Financial fortune: Prices of goods are rising; you can preserve your capital and make a profit.
Home and family: Help from a benefactor; marriage is associated with status and honor.
Health: A skilled physician will take action.

Upper Six changing hexagram


When the Top Six line changes, it becomes the 53rd hexagram of the Zhouyi: Gradual Progress, Wind over Mountain. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Xun above, doubled. Gen is mountain and Xun is wood. Wood grows gradually on a mountain, and the mountain rises along with it. This is a process of gradual progress, so it is called Gradual Progress; gradual progress means advancing step by step rather than hastily.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of the Difficulties hexagram, line statement: Top Six: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance; auspicious; favorable to see a great person. Explanation of the line statement. “Abundance” means plentiful and fruitful.
The meaning of this line statement is: Advancing encounters obstacles, while returning brings a plentiful harvest. This brings good fortune; it is favorable to appear before a great person.
The Top Six is a yielding line in a yielding position, at the extreme end of the hexagram; it cannot go any farther. If it insists on moving forward, it will not help and will instead create further difficulties. If it returns, joins with the Ninth line, and submits to the Fifth Yang line, these two firm lines can assist it, and the great task of overcoming the difficulty can be completed. Hence the line statement says, “returning brings abundance.” The difficulties of all six lines are thereby completely relieved, so it receives the judgment “auspicious.”
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance”—the aspiration lies within. “It is favorable to see a great person”—one follows the honored. This indicates that the key to advancing through obstacles and returning with abundant results is first to unite all the forces within oneself so that they can overcome difficult times together. “It is favorable to appear before a great person” means one should follow a noble ruler to establish merit and achievement.
Those who receive this line may encounter difficulties while advancing, with their career reaching a dead end. At that time, it may be wise to step back; unexpected gains may result. Next, make friends and then seek an audience with influential great people. Their help will enable you to get through the crisis.
Top Six: Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance; auspicious; favorable to see a great person.
The Image says: “Going forward brings difficulty; returning brings abundance”—the aspiration lies within. “It is favorable to see a great person”—one follows the honored.
The classical text means: Going forward encounters obstacles; returning brings great merit. Auspicious, and favorable for paying a visit to a great person.
The Image means: Going forward encounters obstacles and returning brings great merit as a result of the Top Six line joining forces with everyone. It is favorable to pay a visit to a great person, showing that the Top Six line follows the honored ruler.
The Top Six is at the extreme point of danger. Its danger is not the danger of mountains and rivers, but the danger of reaching a dead end with nowhere to go. What should it do? It can only retreat and return, joining everyone to cross the danger before them. The Top Six corresponds with the Ninth line of the lower trigram and aligns with the Fifth line, so it has the desire to return. After turning back, it can unite with the Fifth line, hence “it is favorable to see a great person.” The Top Six is auspicious because it can return when there is no road ahead. This is like a flood occurring in a tribe: the Top Six escapes the flood, only to discover that although there is no flood ahead, there is no road forward either. In this situation, it returns to the disaster area and unites with everyone to resist the calamity together. As the saying goes, “Many people mean great strength; when hearts are united, even Mount Tai can be moved.” The Top Six’s return adds strength to disaster relief, so naturally it is auspicious.